Management of wireless devices in limited radio coverage

ABSTRACT

A mechanism is described herein for enhancing the radio coverage for a wireless device based on an exchange of uplink and downlink radio condition information, referred to as uplink and downlink Radio Coverage Category (RCC) values, between the wireless device and a network (e.g., a Radio Access Network (RAN) node, Core Network (CN) node) for use in data transmission (e.g., control plane related signaling or user plane related payload transmission).

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/016,558, filed on Jun. 24, 2014, and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/107,847, filed on Jan. 26, 2015, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to radio transmission and reception of a network and a wireless device and, more particularly, to techniques for enhancing a radio coverage based on an exchange of radio condition information between a network and a wireless device for repeating data transmissions on a radio interface between the network and the wireless device.

BACKGROUND

The following abbreviations and terms are herewith defined, at least some of which are referred to within the following description of the present disclosure.

3GPP 3rd-Generation Partnership Project

AGCH Access Grant Channel ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit BCCH Broadcast Control Channel BSC Base Station Controller BSS Base Station Subsystem CC Coverage Class CN Core Network DSP Digital Signal Processor

eDRX Extended Discontinuous Receive

EC-GSM Extended Coverage-Global System for Mobile Communications

EDGE Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution

EGPRS Enhanced General Packet Radio Service

eNB evolved Node B

E-UTRA Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access FCCH Frequency Correction Channel GSM Global System for Mobile Communications GERAN GSM/EDGE Radio Access Network IMSI International Mobile Subscriber Identity IoT Internet of Things LLC Logical Link Control MME Mobile Management Entity MTC Machine Type Communications NAS Non-Access Stratum LTE Long-Term Evolution PACCH Packet Associated Control Channel PDN Packet Data Network PDTCH Packet Data Traffic Channels PDU Protocol Data Unit RACH Random Access Channel RAN Radio Access Node RAT Radio Access Technology RAU Routing Area Update RCC Radio Coverage Category RLC Radio Link Control RNC Radio Network Controller RRC Radio Resource Control SCH Synchronization Channel SGSN Serving GPRS Support Node SI System Information TLLI Temporary Logical Link Identifier UE User Equipment UL Uplink UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System WCDMA Wideband Code Division Multiple Access WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access

The anticipated ubiquitous deployment of wireless devices used for what is known as Machine-Type-Communication (MTC) will result in wireless devices being placed outside the typical radio coverage of the existing radio networks, e.g., in basements and similar locations. One way to improve the radio coverage is by expanding the radio access network infrastructure, such as by adding additional Radio Base Station (RBS) equipment. This, however, may very quickly result in an unreasonable investment effort and may not be acceptable to operators.

An alternative approach to adding additional equipment is to keep the existing radio access network infrastructure unchanged but instead improve the radio coverage through novel radio transmission and reception techniques as well as new Radio Resource Management algorithms. The latter approach is currently being discussed in the wireless industry and is a subject for a standardization effort, for example, in the 3rd-Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) as described in the 3GPP TR 36.824 V11.0.0 Technical Report, entitled “Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA); LTE coverage enhancements” and the 3GPP TSG-GERAN Meeting #62 Work Item Description GP-140421, entitled “New Study Item on Cellular System Support for Ultra Low Complexity and Low Throughput Internet of Things.” The contents of these two documents are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

While there are many techniques that can be used to enhance the radio coverage, one technique is to enhance the radio coverage through the use of repeated transmissions. The repeated transmissions technique is currently being considered in the context of the related standardization work in 3GPP TSG RAN, as described in the above-referenced 3GPP TR 36.824 V11.0.0 Technical Report, entitled “Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA); LTE coverage enhancements” as well as in 3GPP TSG GERAN as described in the 3GPP TR 45.820 V1.3.0 Technical Report, entitled “Cellular System Support for Ultra Low Complexity and Low Throughput Internet of Things”.

A problem seen with the existing solutions associated with the repeated transmissions technique described in the above-referenced Technical Reports is that neither the wireless device nor the network, in this case, the Radio Access Network (RAN) node responsible for the repeated transmissions (e.g., the evolved Node B (eNB) in Long Term Evolution (LTE), the Radio Network Controller (RNC) in 3G, or the Base Station Controller (BSC) in 2G), is aware of the Radio Coverage Category (RCC) applicable when starting up a new uplink or downlink data transmission for a wireless device. This may, in a large degree, result in either too few or too many repeated transmissions during the initial phase of the data transmissions with the wireless device (e.g., a period of time during which wireless device specific RCC information is not known by the RAN node). For example, too few repeated transmissions may be initially applied to the transmissions, resulting in a failed data transmission, due to an erroneous initial estimate in the number of repeated transmissions needed. This may then be followed by another set of repeated transmissions based on a better understanding of the needed number of repeated transmissions (e.g., derived from the failed data transmission) but still resulting in inefficient usage of the scarce radio resources. Alternatively, too many repeated transmissions may be initially applied to the transmissions, resulting in the inefficient usage of the scarce radio resources, adding interference to the network, and consuming too much energy, etcetera.

Given that a large portion of the applications associated with MTC (including Internet of Things (IoT)) will be predominantly used for transfer of small amounts of a data (e.g., electricity meter data, temperature sensor data, etc.), an improved mechanism for accurately determining the number of needed repeated transmissions to and/or from a wireless device would be a very valuable if not a critical requirement to satisfy during the initial phase of downlink or uplink data transmission between the RAN node and the wireless device. This need and other needs are addressed by the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

A wireless device, a RAN node, a CN node, and various methods for addressing at least the aforementioned need are described in the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the wireless device, the RAN node, the CN node, and the various methods are further described in the dependent claims.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a wireless device configured to communicate with a RAN node and a CN node. The wireless device comprises a processor and a memory that stores processor-executable instructions, wherein the processor interfaces with the memory to execute the processor-executable instructions, whereby the wireless device is operable to perform a first receive operation, an estimate operation, a map operation, a transmit operation, and a second receive operation. In the first receive operation, the wireless device is operable to receive, from the RAN node, control channels. In the estimate operation, the wireless device is operable to estimate a downlink radio condition based on a signal quality of the received control channels. In the map operation, the wireless device is operable to map the estimated downlink radio condition to one of a plurality of downlink Radio Coverage Category (RCC) values. In the transmit operation, the wireless device is operable to transmit, to the RAN node, a first message including the one downlink RCC value. In the second receive operation, the wireless device is operable to receive, from the RAN node, a second message having a number of repeated downlink transmissions based on the one downlink RCC value. The wireless device configured to operate in this manner will address the need in the state-of-the-art by effectively using scarce radio resources, reducing interference to the network, and reducing the consumption of the wireless device's battery power, etcetera, during the initial phase of data transmission.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method in a wireless device configured to communicate with a RAN node and a CN node. The method comprises a first receive step, an estimate step, a map step, a transmit step, and a second receive step. In the first receive step, control channels are received from the RAN node. In the estimate step, a downlink radio condition is estimated based on a signal quality of the received control channels. In the map step, the estimated downlink radio condition is mapped to one of a plurality of downlink Radio Coverage Category (RCC) values. In the transmit step, a first message is transmitted to the RAN node, wherein the first message includes the one downlink RCC value. In the second receive step, a second message is received from the RAN node, wherein the second message has a number of repeated downlink transmissions based on the one downlink RCC value. The method will address the need in the state-of-the-art by effectively using scarce radio resources, reducing interference to the network, and reducing the consumption of the wireless device's battery power, etcetera, during the initial phase of data transmission.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a RAN node configured to communicate with one or more wireless devices and a CN node. The RAN node comprises a processor and at least one memory that stores processor-executable instructions, wherein the processor interfaces with the at least one memory to execute the processor-executable instructions, whereby the RAN node is operable to perform a first transmit operation, a receive operation, and a second transmit operation. In the first transmit operation, the RAN node is operable to transmit, to the one or more wireless devices, control channels. In the receive operation, the RAN node is operable to receive, from one of the wireless devices, a first message including a first downlink Radio Coverage Category (RCC) value. In the second transmit operation, the RAN node is operable to transmit, to the one wireless device, a second message that is repeated according to the first downlink RCC value included in the first message received from the one wireless device. The RAN node configured to operate in this manner will address the need in the state-of-the-art by effectively using scarce radio resources, reducing interference to the network, and reducing the consumption of the wireless device's battery power, etcetera, during the initial phase of data transmission.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method in a RAN node configured to communicate with one or more wireless devices and a CN node. The method comprises a first transmit step, a receive step, and a second transmit step. In the first transmit step, control channels are transmitted to the one or more wireless devices. In the receive step, a first message is received from one of the wireless devices, wherein the first message includes a first downlink Radio Coverage Category (RCC) value. In the second transmit step, a second message is transmitted to the one wireless device, wherein the second message is repeated according to the first downlink RCC value included in the first message received from the one wireless device. The method will address the need in the state-of-the-art by effectively using scarce radio resources, reducing interference to the network, and reducing the consumption of the wireless device's battery power, etcetera, during the initial phase of data transmission.

In still yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a CN node configured to communicate with a plurality of wireless devices and a RAN node. The CN node comprises a processor and at least one memory that stores processor-executable instructions, wherein the processor interfaces with the at least one memory to execute the processor-executable instructions, whereby the CN node is operable to perform a receive operation, a store operation, and a transmit operation. In the receive operation, the CN node is operable to receive, from the RAN node or one of the wireless devices, a message including a downlink Radio Coverage Category (RCC) value and an uplink RCC value associated with the one wireless device. In the store operation, the CN node is operable to store the downlink RCC value and the uplink RCC value associated with the one wireless device. In the transmit operation, the CN node is operable to transmit, to the RAN node, a paging message for the one wireless device when a downlink payload becomes available for the one wireless device, wherein the paging message includes the downlink RCC value and the uplink RCC value associated with the one wireless device. The CN node configured to operate in this manner will address the need in the state-of-the-art by effectively using scarce radio resources, reducing interference to the network, and reducing the consumption of the wireless device's battery power, etcetera, during the initial phase of data transmission.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method in a CN node configured to communicate with a plurality of wireless devices and a RAN node. The method comprises a receive step, a store step, and a transmit step. In the receive step, a message is received from the RAN node or one of the wireless devices, wherein the message includes a downlink Radio Coverage Category (RCC) value and an uplink RCC value associated with the one wireless device. In the store step, the downlink RCC value and the uplink RCC value associated with the one wireless device are stored. In the transmit step, a paging message for the one wireless device is transmitted to the RAN node when a downlink payload becomes available for the one wireless device, wherein the paging message includes the downlink RCC value and the uplink RCC value associated with the one wireless device. The method will address the need in the state-of-the-art by effectively using scarce radio resources, reducing interference to the network, and reducing the consumption of the wireless device's battery power, etcetera, during the initial phase of data transmission.

Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth, in part, in the detailed description, figures and any claims which follow, and in part will be derived from the detailed description, or can be learned by practice of the invention. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary wireless communication network in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a signal flow diagram illustrating a downlink RCC value determination process that occurs during a wireless device originated transfer in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating different wireless devices with different downlink RCC values being addressed by the same resource assignment message in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a signal flow diagram illustrating an uplink RCC value determination process that occurs during a wireless device originated transfer in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a signal flow diagram illustrating a process associated with a wireless device terminated transfer in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method implemented in a wireless device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating structures of an exemplary wireless device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 8A-8B is a flowchart of a method implemented in a RAN node in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating structures of an exemplary RAN node in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method implemented in a CN node in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating structures of an exemplary CN node in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a signal flow diagram illustrating additional steps in the uplink RCC value determination process that occur during the wireless device originated transfer as shown in FIG. 4 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating additional steps in the method implemented in the wireless device shown in FIG. 6 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an additional step in the method implemented in the CN node shown in FIG. 10 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To describe the technical features of the present disclosure, a discussion is provided first to describe an exemplary wireless communication network which includes multiple wireless devices, multiple RAN nodes, and a CN node each of which are configured in accordance with the present disclosure (see FIG. 1). Then, a discussion is provided to explain the basic techniques and use cases implemented by the wireless device, the RAN node and the CN node in accordance with the present disclosure (see FIGS. 2-5). Thereafter, a discussion is provided to explain in more detail the various techniques implemented by each of the wireless device, the RAN node and the CN node in accordance with the present disclosure (see FIGS. 6-11). Finally, a discussion is provided to explain how the network can be updated with coverage class information by the wireless device in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure (see FIGS. 12-14).

Exemplary Wireless Communication Network 100

Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an exemplary wireless communication network 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. The wireless communication network 100 includes multiple RAN nodes 102 ₁ and 102 ₂ (only two shown) and a core network 106 (e.g., CN node 107) which interface with multiple wireless devices 104 ₁, 104 ₂, 104 ₃ . . . 104 _(n). The wireless communication network 100 also includes many well-known components, but for clarity, only the components needed to describe the features of the present disclosure are described herein. Further, the wireless communication network 100 is described herein as being a GSM/EGPRS wireless communication network 100 which is also known as an EDGE wireless communication network 100. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the techniques of the present disclosure which are applied to the GSM/EGPRS wireless communication network 100 are generally applicable to other types of wireless communication systems, including, for example, WCDMA, LTE, and WiMAX systems.

The wireless communication network 100 includes the RAN nodes 102 ₁ and 102 ₂ (only two shown) which provide network access to the wireless devices 104 ₁, 104 ₂, 104 ₃ . . . 104 _(n). In this example, the RAN node 102 ₁ is providing network access to wireless device 104 ₁ while the RAN node 102 ₂ is providing network access to wireless devices 104 ₂, 104 ₃ . . . 104 _(n). The RAN nodes 102 ₁ and 102 ₂ are connected to the core network 106 (e.g., EGPRS core network 106) and, in particular, to the CN node 107. The core network 106 is connected to an external packet data network (PDN) 108, such as the Internet, and a server 110 (only one shown). The wireless devices 104 ₁, 104 ₂, 104 ₃ . . . 104 _(n) may communicate with one or more servers 110 (only one shown) connected to the core network 106 and/or the PDN 108.

The wireless devices 104 ₁, 104 ₂, 104 ₃ . . . 104 _(n) may refer generally to an end terminal (user) that attaches to the wireless communication network 100, and may refer to either a MTC device or a non-MTC device. Further, the term “wireless device” is generally intended to be synonymous with the term “User Equipment,” or UE, as that term is used by the 3rd-Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), and includes standalone wireless devices, such as terminals, cell phones, smart phones, tablets, and wireless-equipped personal digital assistants, as well as wireless cards or modules that are designed for attachment to or insertion into another electronic device, such as a personal computer, electrical meter, etc.

Likewise, the RAN nodes 102 ₁ and 102 ₂ may refer in generally to a base station in the wireless communication network 100, and may refer to RAN nodes 102 ₁ and 102 ₂ that are controlled by a physically distinct radio network controller as well as to more autonomous access points, such as the so-called evolved Node Bs (eNodeBs) in Long-Term Evolution (LTE) networks.

Each wireless device 104 ₁, 104 ₂, 104 ₃ . . . 104 _(n) may include a transceiver circuit 110 ₁, 110 ₂, 110 ₃ . . . 110 _(n) for communicating with the RAN nodes 102 ₁ and 102 ₂, and a processing circuit 112 ₁, 112 ₂, 112 ₃ . . . 112 _(n) for processing signals transmitted from and received by the transceiver circuit 110 ₁, 110 ₂, 110 ₃ . . . 110 _(n) and for controlling the operation of the corresponding wireless device 104 ₁, 104 ₂, 104 ₃ . . . 104 _(n). The transceiver circuit 110 ₁, 110 ₂, 110 ₃ . . . 110 _(n) may include a transmitter 114 ₁, 114 ₂, 114 ₃ . . . 114 _(n) and a receiver 116 ₁, 116 ₂, 116 ₃ . . . 116 _(n), which may operate according to any standard, e.g., the GSM/EDGE standard. The processing circuit 112 ₁, 112 ₂, 112 ₃ . . . 112 _(n) may include a processor 118 ₁, 118 ₂, 118 ₃ . . . 118 _(n) and a memory 120 ₁, 120 ₂, 120 ₃ . . . 120 _(n) for storing program code for controlling the operation of the corresponding wireless device 104 ₁, 104 ₂, 104 ₃ . . . 104 _(n). The program code may include code for performing the procedures as described hereinafter with respect to FIGS. 6 and 13.

Each RAN node 102 ₁ and 102 ₂ may include a transceiver circuit 122 ₁ and 122 ₂ for communicating with wireless devices 104 ₁, 104 ₂, 104 ₃ . . . 104 _(n), a processing circuit 124 ₁ and 124 ₂ for processing signals transmitted from and received by the transceiver circuit 122 ₁ and 122 ₂ and for controlling the operation of the corresponding wireless access node 102 ₁ and 102 ₂, and a network interface 126 ₁ and 126 ₂ for communicating with the core network 106. The transceiver circuit 122 ₁ and 122 ₂ may include a transmitter 128 ₁ and 128 ₂ and a receiver 130 ₁ and 130 ₂, which may operate according to any standard, e.g., the GSM/EDGE standard. The processing circuit 124 ₁ and 124 ₂ may include a processor 132 ₁ and 132 ₂ and a memory 134 ₁ and 134 ₂ for storing program code for controlling the operation of the corresponding wireless access node 102 ₁ and 102 ₂. The program code may include code for performing the procedures as described hereinafter with respect to FIGS. 8A-8B.

The CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107, MME 107) may include a transceiver circuit 136 for communicating with the RAN nodes 102 ₁ and 102 ₂, a processing circuit 138 for processing signals transmitted from and received by the transceiver circuit 136 and for controlling the operation of the RAN nodes 102 ₁ and 102 ₂, and a network interface 140 for communicating with the RAN nodes 102 ₁ and 102 ₂. The transceiver circuit 136 may include a transmitter 142 and a receiver 144, which may operate according to any standard, e.g., the GSM/EDGE standard. The processing circuit 138 may include a processor 146 and a memory 148 for storing program code for controlling the operation of the CN node 107. The program code may include code for performing the procedures as described hereinafter with respect to FIGS. 10 and 14.

Basic Techniques and Exemplary Use Cases of the Present Disclosure

The present disclosure provides a new mechanism for enhancing the radio coverage based on the exchange of uplink and downlink radio condition information, referred to as Radio Coverage Category (RCC) values, between the wireless device 104 ₂ (for example) and the network 100 (e.g., the RAN node 102 ₂ and/or the CN node 107) for use in data transmission (e.g., control plane related signaling or user plane related payload transmission). It is to be noted that the other wireless devices 104 ₁, 104 ₃ . . . 104 _(n) and RAN node 102 ₁ can also implement the new mechanism of the present disclosure. The disclosed techniques are based on an exchange of estimated RCC values between the network 100 and the wireless device 104 ₂ that are used to apply a number (e.g., a pre-defined number) of repeated transmissions on the radio interface. The RCC values may be estimated for the downlink (e.g., from the wireless device 104 ₂ perspective) and for the uplink (e.g., from the network 100 perspective). The RCC values may be stored in the relevant network nodes such as the RAN node 102 ₂ and the CN node 107 and in the wireless device 104 ₂ for use in determining the appropriate number of repeated transmissions for subsequent data transmissions, for example, at paging occasions.

The disclosed techniques can implement one or more of the following principles:

-   -   The uplink and downlink radio conditions between the RAN node         102 ₂ and a given wireless device 104 ₂ may be categorized,         organized, or divided into a range of RCC values.     -   A given RCC value is mapped into a number of repeated         transmissions. The mapping of each RCC value to a specific         number of repeated transmissions may be standardized and known         to the network 100 (e.g., the RAN node 102 ₂ and/or the CN node         107) and the wireless device 104 ₂. Hence, a given RCC value may         implicitly or explicitly indicate the number of repeated         transmissions and may therefore be known to the involved         entities 102 ₂, 107, and 104 ₂ in a deterministic manner.         Alternatively, the mapping may be adjustable and signaled (e.g.,         in the system information) to the involved entities 102 ₂, 107,         and 104 ₂.     -   The wireless device 104 ₂ provides an estimate of its downlink         RCC value (with relation to its serving RAN node 102 ₂/cell) to         the network 100 in the applicable procedures and/or messages.     -   The RAN node 102 ₂ provides an estimate of its uplink RCC value         in relation to a specific wireless device 104 ₂ to that wireless         device 104 ₂ in the applicable procedures and/or messages.     -   The network 100 may store the information about the uplink and         downlink RCC values in the nodes such as the RAN node 102 ₂ and         the CN node 107 that would re-use this information in subsequent         radio transmissions.     -   The wireless device 104 ₂ may store the information about the         uplink and downlink RCC values and re-use this information in         subsequent radio transmissions.     -   The RAN node 102 ₂ may upload wireless device specific RCC         values for the uplink and downlink associated with a particular         wireless device 104 ₂ to the relevant CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN         107, MME 107). Alternatively, wireless device specific RCC         information may be conveyed by the wireless device 104 ₂ to the         CN node 107, for example, during Non-Access Stratum (NAS)         signaling.     -   The RAN node 102 ₂ applies a number of downlink repeated         transmissions over the radio interface based on the available         wireless device specific downlink RCC value. The RCC value used         for determining the number of repeated transmissions on the         downlink may be based on the last received RCC value from the         wireless device 104 ₂, network 100 (e.g. RAN node 102 ₂)         estimates of the downlink RCC value (e.g., based on uplink radio         quality), or a running average of the received downlink RCC         values and/or the network 100 (e.g. RAN node 102 ₂) estimated         downlink RCC values.     -   The wireless device 104 ₂ applies a number of uplink repeated         transmissions based on the available uplink RCC value received         from the RAN node 102 ₂. The RCC value used for determining the         number of repeated transmissions on the uplink may be based on         the latest estimated uplink RCC value received from the network         100 (e.g., the RAN node 102 ₂), the wireless device 104 ₂         estimates of the uplink RCC value (e.g., based on downlink radio         quality), or a running average of received uplink RCC values         and/or the wireless device 104 ₂ estimated uplink RCC values.     -   For the case when the wireless device 104 ₂ makes its first         contact with the RAN node 102 ₂ after the wireless device's         initial deployment and power on in the field or when the         wireless device 104 ₂ wakes up to perform a system access         procedure following a period of sleep, the number of repeated         retransmissions the wireless device 104 ₂ uses when performing a         random access procedure (e.g., sending a first message on the         Random Access Channel (RACH), such as a Channel Request message         on the RACH) may be based on (1) the wireless device's own         independent assessment of an appropriate uplink RCC value,         or (2) the wireless device's preconfigured information of an         appropriate uplink RCC value.     -   The network 100 (e.g., the RAN node 102 ₂) applies a number of         repetitions based on a stored RCC of the wireless device 104 ₂.         This can, for example, apply when paging the wireless device 104         ₂ or responding to a first message on the Random Access Channel         (RACH), such as a Channel Request message on the RACH.     -   The RAN node 102 ₂ and the wireless device 104 ₂ can make use of         the knowledge about the wireless device's type of usage, for         example, being a stationary device, that can be preconfigured in         the wireless device 104 ₂ and in e.g., subscription data in the         network 100 when deciding whether or not to apply a number of         repetitions according to the stored RCC.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is a signal flow diagram illustrating a downlink RCC value determination process that occurs during a wireless device originated transfer in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Prior to accessing the RAN node 102 ₂, the wireless device 104 ₂ receives (e.g., monitors) some Radio Access Technology (RAT) specific set of control channels in order to, for example, obtain the synchronization with the RAN node 102 ₂ (see FIG. 2's step 1). In the case of Global System for Mobile (GSM), prior to accessing the GSM/EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), the wireless device 104 ₂ will monitor the Synchronization Channel (SCH) and Frequency Correction Channel (FCCH). After the decoding of the SCH, the wireless device 104 ₂ may also decode the System Information (SI) transmitted on the Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH). The SCH, FCCH, and BCCH in GSM are constantly transmitting on full power.

The wireless device 104 ₂ utilizes the received control channels to estimate its experienced downlink radio condition based on, for example, a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), a received estimated quality (e.g., the decoded quality of the SCH and System Information), or any other metric that estimates the wireless device's downlink radio condition (see FIG. 2's step 2).

The wireless device 104 ₂ maps the estimated downlink radio condition to one of multiple downlink RCC values (see FIG. 2's step 3 and graph “A”). In this example, an RSSI-based mapping is illustrated where the estimated RSSI value is mapped to one of four different downlink RCC values. It is to be noted that the number of downlink RCC values and the number of transmissions for each of the downlink RCC values illustrated in FIG. 2 (i.e., 1 transmission for RCC 0, 2 transmissions for RCC 1, 4 transmissions for RCC 2, and 16 transmissions for RCC 3) are provided as examples. In other cases, there may be fewer or more downlink RCC values and/or different numbers of transmissions may be associated with the downlink RCC values.

The wireless device 104 ₂ transmits a message 202 which includes the downlink RCC value to the RAN node 102 ₂ (see FIG. 2's step 4). More specifically, when accessing the RAN node 102 ₂ for some wireless device originated data transmission, the wireless device 104 ₂ provides the downlink specific RCC value in an appropriate RRC message 202 (e.g., the Channel Request message 202 in GERAN, the RRCConnectionRequest 202 in LTE or UMTS) or some message during a radio capability acquisition procedure. A means by which the wireless device 104 ₂ can communicate a downlink specific RCC value to the RAN node 102 ₂ (e.g., BSS 102 ₂) is described in U.S. Patent Application No. 61/968,621, filed on Mar. 21, 2014, entitled “Accelerated System Access Procedure (ASAP)”. The contents of this document are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

The RAN node 102 ₂ determines a downlink RCC value to be used for the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 2's step 5). The RAN node 102 ₂ can determine the downlink RCC value to be used for the wireless device 104 ₂ based on: (1) the received first downlink RCC value (e.g., the downlink RCC value of FIG. 2's step 4); (2) an estimated downlink RCC value (e.g., based on uplink radio conditions); or (3) a running average of previously received first downlink RCC values and/or previously estimated downlink RCC values. For instance, the RAN node 102 ₂ may estimate the downlink specific RCC value based on the uplink radio condition for the wireless device 104 ₂ and may combine this with the RCC value estimated by the wireless device 104 ₂ itself when determining the downlink RCC value to be used for the wireless device 104 ₂. Further, the particular algorithm used by the RAN node 102 ₂ for determining the used downlink RCC value may be implementation dependent.

The RAN node 102 ₂ maps the determined downlink RCC value to a number of repeated downlink transmissions to be used for downlink message(s) 205 to the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 2's step 6 and graph “A”; note: the RAN node 102 ₂ also maps the downlink RCC value received in FIG. 2's step 4 to a number of repeated downlink transmissions to be used for the downlink message 204 transmitted to the wireless device 104 ₂). Then, the RAN node 102 ₂ transmits to the wireless device 104 ₂ a message 204 (e.g., Immediate Assignment message) that is repeated according to the downlink RCC value received from the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 2's step 6 a). The message 204 would include the RAN node's determined downlink RCC value from FIG. 2's step 5 if it is different than the wireless device's downlink RCC value in message 202. Thereafter, the RAN node 102 ₂ transmits to the wireless device 104 ₂ the subsequent downlink message(s) 205 having a number of repeated downlink transmissions based on the RAN node's determined downlink RCC value (see FIG. 2's step 7). Basically, if the RAN node 102 ₂ decides to use a downlink RCC value that is different than the downlink RCC value sent by the wireless device 104 ₂ in FIG. 2's step 4, then the RAN node 102 ₂ will indicate this to the wireless device 104 ₂ by including the determined downlink RCC value in the first downlink message 204 which is always sent with repeated transmissions according to the downlink RCC value sent by the wireless device 104 ₂ in FIG. 2's step 4.

It should be noted that the number of repetitions can be different, for example, depending on the logical channel that is associated with the downlink message 204 or 205 to be transmitted to the wireless device 104 ₂. For example, in GERAN, the RAN node 102 ₂ can apply a first number of repeated transmissions according to the determined downlink RCC value when transmitting the Immediate Assignment message 204 on the Access Grant Channel (AGCH), but apply a second number of repetitions, for example, when transmitting a Packet Power Control/Timing Advance message 205 on the Packet Associated Control Channel (PACCH). Similarly, in the RAN node 102 ₂, the number of repetitions used for Signaling Radio Bearers might be different from the number used for Data Radio Bearers.

It should be noted that when a repetition-only based scheme is used, and when multiple wireless devices 104 ₂, 104 ₃ and 104 ₄ (for example) are addressed by the same message 204 or 205, there is no need for all the wireless devices 104 ₂, 104 ₃ and 104 ₄ to have the same downlink RCC value. The number of repetitions used may instead be determined by the wireless device 104 ₄ (for example) which has the highest downlink RCC value (i.e., the worst coverage). An example of this message format is illustrated in FIG. 3, where wireless devices 104 ₂, 104 ₃ and 104 ₄ are addressed by the same resource assignment message 204. In this example, the resource assignment message 204 on the same AGCH is repeated 16 times due to the coverage class of wireless device 104 ₄ (mapped to 16 repetitions), while wireless devices 104 ₂ and 104 ₃ which have lower coverage classes (i.e., fewer repetitions needed) will be able to read the same resource assignment message 204 after decoding the respective number of repetitions according to their RCC coverage class (i.e., 4 repetitions for wireless device 104 ₂ and 8 repetitions for wireless device 104 ₃).

In some embodiments, the same number of repeated transmissions according to the wireless device's downlink RCC value (which can be different depending on the logical channel considered) may be applied to any subsequent downlink messages 204, control or user plane messages 204, until the RAN node 102 ₂ determines e.g., through the assistance of ACK/NACK or Measurement Report information supplied by the wireless device 104 ₂ that a different downlink RCC value should be used for the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 2's step 8). Any change in the downlink RCC value (number of repeated transmissions) may be signaled by the RAN node 102 ₂ in the control plane either explicitly by means of dedicated signaling or implicitly e.g., through in-band signaling to the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 2's step 9). When explicitly signaling a change in the downlink RCC value, the number of repeated transmissions used by the RAN node 102 ₂ is determined using the downlink RCC value it has stored for the wireless device 104 ₂ prior to deciding to make the change to the downlink RCC value. Similar to the downlink, the RAN node 102 ₂ can estimate the RCC value applicable in the uplink for a given wireless device 104 ₂. This process is described next with respect to FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is a signal flow diagram illustrating an uplink RCC value determination process that occurs during a wireless device originated transfer in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The RAN node 102 ₂ receives the message 202 (e.g., Channel Request message 202, RRC Connection Request message 202) on the RACH from the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 4's step 1). For the case when the wireless device 104 ₂ makes its first contact with the RAN node 102 ₂ after the wireless device's initial deployment and power on in the field or when it wakes up to perform a system access procedure following a period of sleep, the number of repeated retransmissions the wireless device 104 ₂ uses when sending RACH bursts for the Channel Request message 202 (RRC Connection Request message 202) on the RACH may be based, for example, on the wireless device's own independent assessment of an appropriate uplink RCC value (e.g., based on the estimated downlink radio condition of FIG. 2's step 2) or pre-configured information (see FIG. 4's note 1).

The RAN node 102 ₂ estimates an uplink RCC value based on a quality (e.g., RSSI) of the received message 202 (see FIG. 4's step 2 and graph “A”). In this example, an RSSI-based mapping measurement is illustrated where an estimated RSSI value of uplink radio conditions associated with the received message 202 is mapped to one of four different uplink RCC values. It is to be noted that the number of uplink RCC values and the number of transmissions for uplink RCC values illustrated in FIG. 4 (i.e., 1 transmission for RCC 0, 2 transmissions for RCC 1, 4 transmissions for RCC 2, and 16 transmissions for RCC 3) are provided as examples. In other cases, there may be fewer or more uplink RCC values and/or different numbers of transmissions may be associated with the uplink RCC values.

The RAN node 102 ₂ adds (inserts, includes) the uplink RCC value to the message 204 (e.g., Immediate Assignment message 204 or any other RRC message 204 following the Channel Request message 202) transmitted to the one wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 4's step 3). The uplink RCC value communicated to the wireless device 104 ₂ may be, for example, the last uplink RCC value estimated by the RAN node 102 ₂, a running average of the previously estimated uplink RCC values, and/or estimated or used downlink RCC values for that particular wireless device 104 ₂.

The wireless device 104 ₂ maps the uplink RCC value into a number of uplink repetitions (see FIG. 4's step 4 and graph “A’). Then, prior to the termination of the connection, the wireless device 104 ₂ applies the number of uplink repetitions on all subsequent uplink messages 206 transmitted on the RACH and on the uplink of any subsequently assigned Packet Data Traffic Channels (PDTCHs) or Packet Associated Control Channels (PACCHs) to the RAN node 102 ₂ (see FIG. 4's step 5). Following the termination of the connection the wireless device 104 ₂ could optionally continue to use its stored uplink RCC value (see FIG. 4's step 9) for subsequent uplink messages 202 transmitted on the RACH (see FIG. 4's step 1) if they are transmitted within a limited time period following its most recent reception of the uplink RCC value in the message 204 (see FIG. 4's step 3).

The wireless device 104 ₂ continues to use the uplink RCC value for the uplink messages 206 until a new uplink RCC value is received from the RAN node 102 ₂ (see FIG. 4's step 6). The wireless device 104 ₂ can receive the new uplink RCC value from the RAN node 102 ₂, for example, either in a control message or in an implicit manner (e.g., Packet Uplink ACK/NACK message indicating a failed uplink reception).

The RAN node 102 ₂ may store the RCC values applicable to both the uplink and downlink along with a Temporary Logical Link Identifier (TLLI) or other local relevant identifier of the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 4's step 7; note: step 7 is also typically performed immediately after or as part of step 2). Then, upon termination of the connection (e.g., RRC connection) between the RAN node 102 ₂ and the wireless device 104 ₂, the RAN node 102 ₂ may transmit the RCC values applicable to both the uplink and downlink along with a TLLI or other local relevant identifier of the wireless device 104 ₂ to the CN node 107 (see FIG. 4's step 8). For instance, the RAN node 102 ₂ can include the uplink and downlink RCC values as supplemental information when sending the received messages 206 of step 5 to the CN 107. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless device 104 ₂ may store the RCC values applicable to both the uplink and downlink (see FIG. 4's step 9; note: step 9 can also occur immediately after step 1 and step 4). Furthermore, the wireless device 104 ₂ may transmit the RCC values for both the uplink and downlink to the CN node 107, for example, via NAS signaling (e.g., within a periodic Routing Area Update (RAU) message) (see FIG. 4's step 10). In this case, if wireless device 104 ₂ performs step 10 then the RAN node 102 ₂ would not need to include the uplink and downlink RCC values as supplemental information when sending the received messages 206 of step 5 to the CN 107.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is a signal flow diagram illustrating a process associated with a wireless device terminated transfer in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The CN node 107 supplies the RAN node 102 ₂ with stored RCC values for the uplink and the downlink for the wireless device 104 ₂ during a subsequent wireless device terminated transfer. More specifically, the CN node 107 transmits a paging message 208 with the stored RCC values for uplink and downlink when a downlink payload becomes available for the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 5's step 1). Recall: the RAN node 102 ₂ and/or the wireless device 104 ₂ at the end of the previous connection uploaded the RCC values for the uplink and downlink to the CN node 107 (see FIG. 4's steps 8 and 10).

The RCC values for both uplink and downlink may be sent together in the paging message 208 with a time stamp indicating the time that the RCC values had been uploaded to the CN node 107 and including cell identifier information about the cell where the wireless device 104 ₂ was connected when these RCC values were obtained. This information and if desired additional information may also be provided in the paging message 208 to enable the RAN node 102 ₂ to assess the reliability of the downlink and uplink RCC values. The RCC values for uplink and downlink may be sent with the paging message 208 using the relevant interface, e.g., Gb, Iu, S1AP.

The RAN node 102 ₂ (e.g., the BSC 102 ₂ in 2G, the RNC 102 ₂ in 3G, or the eNB 102 ₂ in LTE) may use the received downlink RCC value to determine the paging repetition number for the paging message 208′ which is to be transmitted to the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 5's step 2). The RAN node 102 ₂ then transmits the paging message 208′ using the determined paging repetition number to the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 5's step 3). Furthermore, the RAN node 102 ₂ may add the uplink RCC value to the paging message 208′ itself and thus enable the wireless device 104 ₂ to map and use a specific number of uplink repetitions during the random access procedure triggered to transmit a corresponding page response 210 to the RAN node 102 ₂ (see FIG. 5's steps 4 and 5). Alternatively, the RAN node 102 ₂ can determine that the RCC values for the uplink and downlink received from the CN node 107 are outdated, then in this case the paging message 208′ sent to the wireless device 104 ₂ may be repeated a maximum number of times, and the uplink RCC value communicated in the paging message 208′ to the wireless device 104 ₂ may be set to the highest value (i.e., a maximum number of repetitions) (see FIG. 5's note 1). The subsequent behavior by the wireless device 104 ₂ and the RAN node 102 ₂ may be the same as described above in reference to wireless device originated transfer in FIGS. 2-4.

Detailed Techniques Implemented by Devices

Referring to FIG. 6, there is a flowchart of a method 600 implemented in a wireless device 104 ₂ (for example) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 602, the wireless device 104 ₂ receives (e.g., monitors) some RAT specific set of control channels in order to, for example, obtain the synchronization with the RAN node 102 ₂ (see FIG. 2's step 1). At step 604, the wireless device 104 ₂ estimates a downlink radio condition based on a signal quality (e.g., RSSI) of the received control channels (see FIG. 2's step 2). At step 606, the wireless device 104 ₂ maps the estimated downlink radio condition to one of multiple downlink RCC values (see FIG. 2's step 3 and graph “A”). At step 608, the wireless device 104 ₂ transmits a message 202 (e.g. Channel Request message 202) which includes the downlink RCC value to the RAN node 102 ₂ (see FIG. 2's step 4). If the message 202 (e.g., Channel Request message 202) is the wireless device's first contact with the RAN node 102 ₂, then the wireless device 104 ₂ may have previously determined at step 608′ an estimated number of repeated uplink transmissions (e.g., based on the estimated downlink radio condition or preconfigured information) to use when transmitting the message 202 to the RAN node 102 ₂ (see FIG. 4's note 1).

At step 610, the wireless device 104 ₂ receives a downlink message 204 (e.g., Immediate Assignment message 204) having a number of repeated downlink transmissions and including an uplink RCC value (see FIG. 2's step 7 and FIG. 4's step 3). Recall: the number of repeated downlink transmissions in the downlink message 204 is based on the downlink RCC value sent by the wireless device 104 ₂ in message 202 (see FIG. 2's step 4 and FIG. 4's step 1). Plus, the message 204 may include the RAN node's determined downlink RCC value which is to be used for the subsequent downlink messages 205 (see FIG. 2's step 6 a). At step 612, the wireless device 104 ₂ maps the uplink RCC value (included in message 204) to determine a number of uplink repetitions (see FIG. 4's step 4 and graph “A’). At step 614, the wireless device 104 ₂ transmits an uplink message 206 that is repeated according to the number of repeated uplink transmissions to the RAN node 102 ₂ (see FIG. 4's step 5). The wireless device 104 ₂ would continue to use the uplink RCC value for the subsequent uplink messages 206 until a new uplink RCC value is received from the RAN node 102 ₂ (see FIG. 4's step 6). At step 616, the wireless device 104 ₂ stores the RCC values applicable to both the uplink and downlink (see FIG. 4's step 9). At step 618, the wireless device 104 ₂ may transmit the RCC values for both the uplink and downlink to the CN node 107 (see FIG. 4's step 10).

At step 620, the wireless device 104 ₂ receives from the RAN node 102 ₂ the paging message 208′ having a number of downlink repetitions and an uplink RCC value (see FIG. 5's step 3; recall: the paging message 208′ would be sent when the CN node 107 has new downlink payload for the wireless device 104 ₂). The number of repeated downlink repetitions used in the paging message 208′ may be based on the downlink RCC value previously sent by the wireless device 104 ₂ or the RAN node 102 ₂ to the CN node 107 (see FIG. 5's steps 1-2) or a maximum number of downlink repetitions (see FIG. 5's note 1). The uplink RCC value in the paging message 208′ may be the uplink RCC value previously sent by the wireless device 104 ₂ or the RAN node 102 ₂ to the CN node 107 (see FIG. 5's steps 1-2) or a maximum number of uplink repetitions (see FIG. 5's note 1). At step 622, the wireless device 104 ₂ maps the uplink RCC value to determine a specific number of uplink repetitions to use when transmitting the corresponding page response 210 to the RAN node 102 ₂ (see FIG. 5's step 4). At step 624, the wireless device 104 ₂ transmits the page response 210 using the determined number of uplink repetitions to the RAN node 102 ₂ (see FIG. 5's step 5). For a more detailed discussion about steps 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, 612, 614, 616, 618, 620, 622 and 624 reference is made to FIGS. 2, 4 and 5.

Referring to FIG. 7, there is a block diagram illustrating structures of an exemplary wireless device 104 ₂ configured to interact with the RAN node 102 ₂ and the CN node 107 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the wireless device 104 ₂ may comprise a first receive module 702, an estimate module 704, a first map module 706, a first transmit module 708, a second receive module 710, a second map module 712, a second transmit module 714, a store module 716, a third transmit module 718, a third receive module 720, a third map module 722, and a fourth transmit module 724.

The first receive module 702 is configured to receive (e.g., monitor) some RAT specific set of control channels in order to, for example, obtain the synchronization with the RAN node 102 ₂ radio interface (see FIG. 2's step 1). The estimate module 704 is configured to estimate a downlink radio condition based on a signal quality (e.g., RSSI) of the received control channels (see FIG. 2's step 2). The first map module 706 is configured to map the estimated downlink radio condition to one of multiple downlink RCC values (see FIG. 2's step 3 and graph “A”). The first transmit module 708 is configured to transmit a message 202 (e.g. Channel Request message 202) which includes the downlink RCC value to the RAN node 102 ₂ (see FIG. 2's step 4). The first transmit module 708 may include a determine module 708′ configured to determine an estimated number of repeated uplink transmissions (e.g., based on the estimated downlink radio condition or preconfigured information) to use when transmitting the message 202 to the RAN node 102 ₂ if the message 202 (e.g., Channel Request message 202) is the wireless device's first contact with the RAN node 102 ₂, (see FIG. 4's note 1).

The second receive module 710 is configured to receive a downlink message 204 (e.g., Immediate Assignment message 204) having a number of repeated downlink transmissions and including an uplink RCC value (see FIG. 2's step 7 and FIG. 4's step 3). Recall: the number of repeated downlink transmissions in the downlink message 204 is based on the downlink RCC value sent by the wireless device 104 ₂ in message 202 (see FIG. 2's step 4 and FIG. 4's step 1). Plus, the message 204 may include the RAN node's determined downlink RCC value which is to be used for the subsequent downlink messages 205 (see FIG. 2's step 6 a). The second map module 712 is configured to map the uplink RCC value (included in message 204) to determine a number of uplink repetitions (see FIG. 4's step 4 and graph “A’). The second transmit module 714 is configured to transmit an uplink message 206 that has the estimated number of repeated uplink transmissions to the RAN node 102 ₂ (see FIG. 4's step 5). The second transmit module 714 would continue to use the uplink RCC value for the subsequent uplink messages 206 until a new uplink RCC value is received from the RAN node 102 ₂ (see FIG. 4's step 6). The store module 716 is configured to store the RCC values applicable to both the uplink and downlink (see FIG. 4's step 9). The third transmit module 718 is configured to transmit the RCC values for both the uplink and downlink to the CN node 107 (see FIG. 4's step 10).

The third receive module 720 is configured to receive from the RAN node 102 ₂ the paging message 208′ having a number of downlink repetitions and an uplink RCC value (see FIG. 5's step 3; recall: the paging message 208′ would be sent when the CN node 107 has new downlink payload for the wireless device 104 ₂). The number of repeated downlink repetitions used in the paging message 208′ may be based on the downlink RCC value previously sent by the wireless device 104 ₂ or the RAN node 102 ₂ to the CN node 107 (see FIG. 5's steps 1-2) or a maximum number of downlink repetitions (see FIG. 5's note 1). The uplink RCC value in the paging message 208′ may be the uplink RCC value previously sent by the wireless device 104 ₂ or the RAN node 102 ₂ to the CN node 107 (see FIG. 5's steps 1-2) or a maximum number of uplink repetitions (see FIG. 5's note 1). The third map module 722 is configured to map the uplink RCC value to determine a specific number of uplink repetitions to use when transmitting the corresponding page response 210 to the RAN node 102 ₂ (see FIG. 5's step 4). The fourth transmit module 724 is configured to transmit the page response 210 using the determined number of uplink repetitions to the RAN node 102 ₂ (see FIG. 5's step 5).

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the above-described modules 702, 704, 706, 708, 710, 712, 714, 716, 718, 720, 722 and 724 of the wireless device 104 ₂ may be implemented separately as suitable dedicated circuits. Further, the modules 702, 704, 706, 708, 710, 712, 714, 716, 718, 720, 722 and 724 can also be implemented using any number of dedicated circuits through functional combination or separation. In some embodiments, the modules 702, 704, 706, 708, 710, 712, 714, 716, 718, 720, 722 and 724 may be even combined in a single application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). As an alternative software-based implementation, the wireless device 104 ₂ may comprise a memory 120 ₂, a processor 118 ₂ (including but not limited to a microprocessor, a microcontroller or a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), etc.) and a transceiver 110 ₂. The memory 120 ₂ stores machine-readable program code executable by the processor 118 ₂ to cause the wireless device 104 ₂ to perform the steps of the above-described method 600.

Referring to FIGS. 8A-8B, there is a flowchart of a method 800 implemented in a RAN node 102 ₂ (for example) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 802, the RAN node 102 ₂ transmits control channels (e.g., BCCH, SCH, FCCH) to enable the wireless device 104 ₂ (for example) to obtain synchronization with the RAN node 102 ₂ (see FIG. 2's step 1). At step 804, the RAN node 102 ₂ receives from the wireless device 104 ₂ a message 202 (e.g., Channel Request message 202) which includes the wireless device's downlink RCC value (see FIG. 2's step 4). At step 806, the RAN node 102 ₂ determines a downlink RCC value to be used for the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 2's step 5). At step 808, the RAN node 102 ₂ maps the determined downlink RCC value to a number of repeated downlink transmissions to be used for downlink message(s) 205 transmitted to the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 2's step 6 and graph “A”; note: the RAN node 102 ₂ also maps the downlink RCC value received in FIG. 8's step 804 to a number of repeated downlink transmissions to be used for the downlink message 204 transmitted to the wireless device 104 ₂). At step 809, the RAN node 102 ₂ transmits a first downlink message 204 (e.g., Immediate Assignment message 204) to the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 2's step 7) where the number of repeated downlink transmissions used for the downlink message 204 is based on the downlink RCC value sent by the wireless device 104 ₂ in message 202 (see FIG. 2's step 4). If the RAN node 102 ₂ decides to use a downlink RCC value that is different than the downlink RCC value received from the wireless device 104 ₂ in step 804, then the RAN node 102 ₂ will indicate this to the wireless device 104 ₂ by including the determined downlink RCC value from step 806 in the first downlink message 204. Subsequent downlink messages 205 are then transmitted at step 810 by the RAN node 102 ₂ to the wireless device 104 ₂ based on the determined downlink RCC value from step 806. At step 812, the RAN node 102 ₂ determines e.g., through the assistance of ACK/NACK or Measurement Report information supplied by the wireless device 104 ₂ that a new downlink RCC value should be used for the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 2's step 8). At step 814, the RAN node 102 ₂ transmits the new downlink RCC value (number of repeated transmissions) to the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 2's step 9). The number of repeated transmissions used by the RAN node 102 ₂ to transmit the message which contains the new downlink RCC value is determined using the downlink RCC value it has stored for the wireless device 104 ₂ prior to deciding to use a new downlink RCC value.

At step 816, the RAN node 102 ₂ upon receiving the message 202 (e.g., Channel Request message 202) at step 804 will also estimate an uplink RCC value for the wireless device 104 ₂ based on a quality (e.g., RSSI) of the received message 202 (see FIG. 4's step 2 and graph “A”). At step 818, the RAN node 102 ₂ adds (inserts, includes) the estimated uplink RCC value to the message 204 (e.g., Immediate Assignment message 204) that is transmitted during step 810 to the one wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 4's step 3). At step 820, the RAN node 102 ₂ receives from the wireless device 104 ₂ at least one uplink message 206 that has the number of repeated uplink transmissions which corresponds to the uplink RCC value sent in message 204 (see FIG. 4's step 5). At step 822, the RAN node 102 ₂ transmits a new uplink RCC value if needed to the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 4's step 6). At step 824, the RAN node 102 ₂ stores the RCC values applicable to both the uplink and downlink along with a TLLI or other local relevant identifier of the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 4's step 7). At step 826, the RAN node 102 ₂ may transmit the RCC values applicable to both the uplink and downlink to the CN node 107 along with a TLLI or other local relevant identifier of the wireless device 104 ₂ upon the termination of the connection between the wireless device 104 ₂ and the RAN node 102 ₂ (see FIG. 4's step 8).

At step 828, the RAN node 102 ₂ receives from the CN node 107 the paging message 208 with the RCC values for uplink and downlink for the wireless device 104 ₂ when a downlink payload becomes available for the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 5's step 1). At step 830 a, the RAN node 102 ₂ may use the received downlink RCC value to determine the paging repetition number for the paging message 208′ which is to be transmitted to the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 5's step 2). At step 832 a, the RAN node 102 ₂ transmits the paging message 208′ (which includes the uplink RCC value) using the determined paging repetition number to the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 5's step 3). At step 834 a, the RAN node 102 ₂ receives from the wireless device 104 ₂ the page response 210 having a number of repeated uplink transmissions based on the uplink RCC value in the paging message 208′ (see FIG. 5's step 5). Alternatively, after step 828 the RAN node 102 ₂ at step 830 b determines that the RCC values for the uplink and downlink received from the CN node 107 are outdated, then in this case the paging message 208′ transmitted at step 834 b to the wireless device 104 ₂ may be repeated a maximum number of times and the uplink RCC value communicated in the paging message 208′ to the wireless device 104 ₂ may be set to the highest RCC value (i.e., a maximum number of repetitions) (see FIG. 5's note 1). It should be noted that in practice the wireless device 104 ₂ would typically be listening according to the last downlink RCC value it conveyed to the network 100 and so it may not be very helpful for the RAN node 102 ₂ to autonomously decide to use the maximum number of repetitions. At step 834 b, the RAN node 102 ₂ receives from the wireless device 104 ₂ the page response 210 having a highest number of repeated uplink transmissions based on the highest uplink RCC value.

Referring to FIG. 9, there is a block diagram illustrating structures of an exemplary RAN node 102 ₂ configured to interact with a wireless device 104 ₂ and a CN node 107 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the RAN node 102 ₂ may comprise a first transmit module 902, a first receive module 904, a first determine module 906, a map module 908, a second transmit module 909, a third transmit module 910, a second determine module 912, a fourth transmit module 914, an estimate module 916, an add module 918, a second receive module 920, a fifth transmit module 922, a store module 924, a sixth transmit module 926, a third receive module 928, a use module 930 a, a seventh transmit module 932 a, a fourth receive module 934 a, a third determine module 930 b, an eighth transmit module 932 b, and a fifth receive module 934 b.

The first transmit module 902 is configured to transmit control channels (e.g., BCCH, SCH, FCCH) to enable the wireless device 104 ₂ (for example) to obtain synchronization with the RAN node 102 ₂ (see FIG. 2's step 1). The first receive module 904 is configured to receive from the wireless device 104 ₂ a message 202 (e.g., Channel Request message 202) which includes the wireless device's downlink RCC value (see FIG. 2's step 4). The first determine module 906 is configured to determine a downlink RCC value to be used for the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 2's step 5). The map module 908 is configured to map the determined downlink RCC value to one of a multiple of downlink RCC values to determine a number of repeated downlink transmissions to be used for downlink message(s) 204 transmitted to the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 2's step 6 and graph “A”; note: the map module 908 also maps the downlink RCC value received in FIG. 2's step 4 to a number of repeated downlink transmissions to be used for the downlink message 204 transmitted to the wireless device 104 ₂). The second transmit module 909 is configured to transmit a first downlink message 204 (e.g., Immediate Assignment message 204) to the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 2's step 7) where the number of repeated downlink transmissions used for the downlink message 204 is based on the downlink RCC value sent by the wireless device 104 ₂ in message 202 (see FIG. 2's step 4) (see FIG. 2's step 6 a). If the first determine module 906 decides to use a downlink RCC value that is different than the downlink RCC value sent by the wireless device 104 ₂, then the second transmit module 909 will indicate this to the wireless device 104 ₂ by including the determined downlink RCC value in the first downlink message 204. The third transmit module 910 is configured to transmit subsequent downlink messages 205 to the wireless device 104 ₂ based on the determined downlink RCC value (see FIG. 2's step 7). The second determine module 912 is configured to determine e.g., through the assistance of ACK/NACK or Measurement Report information supplied by the wireless device 104 ₂ that a new downlink RCC value should be used for the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 2's step 8). The fourth transmit module 914 is configured to transmit the new downlink RCC value (number of repeated transmissions) to the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 2's step 9). The number of repeated transmissions used by the RAN node 102 ₂ to transmit the message which contains the new downlink RCC value is determined using the downlink RCC value it has stored for the wireless device 104 ₂ prior to deciding to use a new downlink RCC value.

The estimate module 916 is configured upon receipt of the message 202 (e.g., Channel Request message 202) to estimate an uplink RCC value for the wireless device 104 ₂ based on a quality (e.g., RSSI) of the received message 202 (see FIG. 4's step 2 and graph “A”). The add module 918 is configured to add (insert, include) the estimated uplink RCC value to the message 204 (e.g., Immediate Assignment message 204) that is transmitted to the one wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 4's step 3). The second receive module 920 is configured to receive from the wireless device 104 ₂ at least one uplink message 206 that has the number of repeated uplink transmissions which corresponds to the uplink RCC value sent in message 204 (see FIG. 4's step 5). The fifth transmit module 922 is configured to transmit a new uplink RCC value if needed to the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 4's step 6). The store module 924 is configured to store the RCC values applicable to both the uplink and downlink along with a TLLI or other local relevant identifier of the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 4's step 7). The sixth transmit module 926 is configured to transmit the RCC values applicable to both the uplink and downlink to the CN node 107 along with a TLLI or other local relevant identifier of the wireless device 104 ₂ upon the termination of the connection between the wireless device 104 ₂ and the RAN node 102 ₂ (see FIG. 4's step 8).

The third receive module 928 is configured to receive from the CN node 107 the paging message 208 with the RCC values for uplink and downlink for the wireless device 104 ₂ when a downlink payload becomes available for the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 5's step 1). The use module 930 a is configured to use the received downlink RCC value to determine the paging repetition number for the paging message 208′ which is to be transmitted to the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 5's step 2). The seventh transmit module 932 a is configured to transmit the paging message 208′ (which includes the uplink RCC value) using the determined paging repetition number to the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 5's step 3). The fourth receive module 934 a is configured to receive from the wireless device 104 ₂ the page response 210 having a number of repeated uplink transmissions based on the uplink RCC value in the paging message 208′ (see FIG. 5's step 5). As an alternative to modules 930 a, 932 a and 934 a, the RAN node 102 ₂ includes the third determine module 930 b which is configured to determine that the RCC values for the uplink and downlink received from the CN node 107 are outdated, then the eighth transmit module 932 b is configured to transmit the paging message 208′ a repeated a maximum number of times to the wireless device 104 ₂, where the paging message 208′ may include an uplink RCC value set to the highest RCC value (i.e., a maximum number of repetitions) (see FIG. 5's note 1). The fifth receive module 934 b is configured to receive from the wireless device 104 ₂ the page response 210 having a highest number of repeated uplink transmissions based on the highest uplink RCC value.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the above-described modules 902, 904, 906, 908, 909, 910, 912, 914, 916, 918, 920, 922, 924, 926, 928, 930 a, 930 b, 932 a, 932 b, 934 a, and 934 b of the RAN node 102 ₂ may be implemented separately as suitable dedicated circuits. Further, the modules 902, 904, 906, 908, 909, 910, 912, 914, 916, 918, 920, 922, 924, 926, 928, 930 a, 930 b, 932 a, 932 b, 934 a, and 934 b can also be implemented using any number of dedicated circuits through functional combination or separation. In some embodiments, the modules 902, 904, 906, 908, 909, 910, 912, 914, 916, 918, 920, 922, 924, 926, 928, 930 a, 930 b, 932 a, 932 b, 934 a, and 934 b may be even combined in a single application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). As an alternative software-based implementation, the RAN node 102 ₂ may comprise a memory 134 ₂, a processor 132 ₂ (including but not limited to a microprocessor, a microcontroller or a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), etc.) and a transceiver 122 ₂. The memory 134 ₂ stores machine-readable program code executable by the processor 132 ₂ to cause the RAN node 102 ₂ to perform the steps of above-described method 800.

Referring to FIG. 10, there is a flowchart of a method 1000 implemented in a CN node 107 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 1002, the CN node 107 receives the RCC values for both the uplink and downlink from either or both of the wireless device 104 ₂ and the RAN node 102 ₂ after the termination of the connection between the wireless device 104 ₂ and the RAN node 102 ₂ (see FIG. 4's steps 8 and 10). At step 1004, the CN node 107 stores the downlink RCC value and the uplink RCC value associated with the one wireless device. At step 1006, the CN node 107 transmits to the RAN node 102 ₂ the paging message 208 with the RCC values for uplink and downlink for the wireless device 104 ₂ when a downlink payload becomes available for the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 5's step 1). The RCC values for both uplink and downlink may be sent together in the paging message 208 with a time stamp indicating the time that the RCC values had been uploaded to the CN node 102 ₂ and cell identifier information about the cell where the wireless device 104 ₂ was connected when these RCC values were obtained. This information and if desired additional information may also be provided in the paging message 208 to enable the RAN node 102 ₂ to assess the reliability of the downlink and uplink RCC values.

Referring to FIG. 11, there is a block diagram illustrating structures of an exemplary CN node 107 configured to interact with the wireless device 104 ₂ and the RAN node 102 ₂ in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the CN node 107 may comprise a receive module 1102, a store module 1104, and a transmit module 1106. The receive module 1102 is configured to receive the RCC values for both the uplink and downlink from either or both of the wireless device 104 ₂ and the RAN node 102 ₂ after the termination of the connection between the wireless device 104 ₂ and the RAN node 102 ₂ (see FIG. 4's steps 8 and 10). The store module 1104 is configured to store the downlink RCC value and the uplink RCC value associated with the one wireless device. The transmit module 1104 is configured to transmit to the RAN node 102 ₂ the paging message 208 with the RCC values for uplink and downlink for the wireless device 104 ₂ when a downlink payload becomes available for the wireless device 104 ₂ (see FIG. 5's step 1). The RCC values for both uplink and downlink may be sent together in the paging message 208 with a time stamp indicating the time that the RCC values had been uploaded to the CN node 102 ₂ and cell identifier information about the cell where the wireless device 104 ₂ was connected when these RCC values were obtained. This information and if desired additional information may also be provided in the paging message 208 to enable the RAN node 102 ₂ to assess the reliability of the downlink and uplink RCC values.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the above-described modules 1102, 1104 and 1106 of the CN node 107 may be implemented separately as suitable dedicated circuits. Further, the modules 1102, 1104 and 1106 can also be implemented using any number of dedicated circuits through functional combination or separation. In some embodiments, the modules 1102, 1104 and 1106 may be even combined in a single application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). As an alternative software-based implementation, the CN node may comprise a memory 148, a processor 146 (including but not limited to a microprocessor, a microcontroller or a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), etc.) and a transceiver 136. The memory 148 stores machine-readable program code executable by the processor 146 to cause the CN node 107 to perform the steps of the above-described method 1000.

EC-GSM Dynamic Coverage Class Update

At the aforementioned 3GPP TSG-GERAN Meeting #62, the Work Item Description GP-140421, entitled “New Study Item on Cellular System Support for Ultra Low Complexity and Low Throughput Internet of Things” was approved. One of the main objectives of this work item was to increase the coverage when compared to existing GPRS services. The following description outlines a procedure that ensures that the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107) always sends a paging message 208 to the RAN node 102 ₂ (e.g., BSS 102 ₂) indicating a downlink coverage class sufficient (equal to or higher than estimated by the wireless device 104 ₂) for the RAN node 102 ₂ to be able to successfully page the wireless device 104 ₂. In particular, FIGS. 12-14 illustrate the steps performed by the wireless device 104 ₂, the RAN node 102 ₂ and the CN node 107 to implement this new procedure (note: FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 are the same as FIGS. 4, 6 and 10 but for the additional steps (see bold text) associated with this new procedure). Even though the discussion below is conducted in the scope of an EC-GSM (GSM operation of packet data channels supporting extended coverage when compared to legacy GSM network operation), the solutions described herein are applicable to other types of wireless communication systems, including, for example, WCDMA, LTE, and WiMAX systems.

1. DETERMINATION OF PAGING GROUP

When paging an EC-GSM wireless device 104 ₂, in order to determine the specific set of EC-PCH blocks to use to send the page message 208′, the RAN node 102 ₂ (e.g., BSS 102 ₂) first needs to know:

-   -   the eDRX cycle     -   the downlink coverage class (DL CC), and,     -   the IMSI of the wireless device 104 ₂.

The downlink CC (downlink RCC value) is estimated by the wireless device 104 ₂ and communicated to the network 100 (CN node 107). Thereafter, the RAN node 102 ₂ receives the downlink CC (downlink RCC value) from the CN node 107 and uses it to determine the number of paging resources (EC-PCH blocks) that are required to be sent when sending the paging message 208′ to the wireless device 104 ₂ in order for the network 100 to identify the location of the wireless device 104 ₂.

Even though the EC-GSM device 104 ₂ is expected to provide the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107) with their estimated DL CC (downlink RCC value) within, for example, the context of the RAU procedure, there remains the possibility that the wireless device 104 ₂ will change their estimated DL CC (downlink RCC value) at any time between any two such successive procedures (see FIG. 12's step 11 and FIG. 13's step 1302). This change in DL CC is discussed in more detail below.

2. METHODS FOR UPDATING DL COVERAGE CLASS 2.1 Pre-Paging Group Update of DL CC

Whenever the coverage class of the wireless device 104 ₂ has deteriorated such that it will not be able to decode the paging message 208′ using the DL coverage class (downlink RCC value) last provided to the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107) it is proposed to use a Cell update procedure which requires the transmission of only a single RLC data block with the new downlink RCC value and is therefore a power efficient way of triggering a DL CC update in the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107) (see FIG. 12's step 12, FIG. 13's step 1304 and FIG. 14's step 1402).

Furthermore, to reduce the possibility of excessive signaling between the wireless device 104 ₂ and the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107). the wireless device 104 ₂ can wait until shortly before (e.g. 5 seconds) the next occurrence of its nominal paging group (i.e., based on its current DL CC) before performing a cell update to convey its new DL CC (downlink RCC value) to the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107) (see FIG. 12's step 12, FIG. 13's step 1304 and FIG. 14's step 1402).

In addition, having the wireless device 104 ₂ wait until just before the next occurrence of its nominal paging group to finally decide that its DL CC needs to be changed ensures that the cell update will be used as sparingly as possible. This solution is used whenever the wireless device 104 ₂ changes to a higher coverage class (requiring more blind repetitions) in order for the wireless device 104 ₂ to be able to (to a high degree of probability) read a paging message 208′ that may be sent using its nominal paging group. This does not guarantee that the wireless device 104 ₂ will always be able to read a paging message 208′ sent using the nominal paging group indicated by its recently transmitted cell update but will reduce the probability of missing a paging message 208′ to the point where secondary paging mechanisms are not seen as being necessary.

2.2 Transaction Time Update of DL CC

Whenever the DL coverage class (downlink RCC value) has improved such that the EC-GSM device 104 ₂ will be able to decode the paging message 208′ using a smaller number of repetitions there is in principal no need to update the DL coverage class with the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107) just prior to the paging unless there is a need to saving paging bandwidth. In this case, the wireless device 104 ₂ can wait until the next uplink transaction to inform the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107) of the new DL CC instead of performing a cell update shortly before its next nominal paging group as described earlier. This is possible because the wireless device 104 ₂ can safely continue to use its current DL CC (downlink RCC value) to read paging messages 208′ since the wireless device 104 ₂ is currently in a better coverage class than what the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107) currently assumes.

The most straight forward way for the wireless device 104 ₂ to provide the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107) with the new DL coverage class (downlink RCC value) is to modify the UL-UNITDATA PDU which transfers a wireless device's LLC-PDU and its associated radio interface information across the Gb-interface. This realization is possible since whenever an EC-GSM device 104 ₂ accesses the network 100 it sends a RACH request 202 (e.g., Channel Request message 202) to the RAN node 102 ₂ (e.g., BSS 102 ₂) including an indication of its estimated DL CC (downlink RCC value) in order for the RAN node 102 ₂ (e.g., BSS 102 ₂) to be able to properly assign resources as well as send the Immediate Assignment message 204 with the appropriate number of repetitions (see FIG. 2's steps 4 and 7). This means that whenever an EC-GSM wireless device 104 ₂ sends uplink data the RAN node 102 ₂ (e.g., BSS 102 ₂) it may add the latest coverage class information to the UL-UNITDATA PDU it sends to the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107) (see FIG. 12's step 12, FIG. 13's step 1304 and FIG. 14's step 1402).

3. CONCLUSIONS

To ensure that the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107) always sends a paging message 208 to the RAN node 102 ₂ (e.g., BSS 102 ₂) indicating a downlink coverage class (downlink RCC value) sufficient (equal to or higher) for the RAN node 102 ₂ (e.g., BSS 102 ₂) to be able to successfully page the wireless device 104 ₂ in extended coverage adaptations can be made as discussed above to both the Pre-Paging Group Update of the downlink coverage class and the transaction time update downlink solutions.

In view of the foregoing, this disclosure provides a new mechanism for enhancing the radio coverage based on the exchange of uplink and downlink radio condition information, referred to as Radio Coverage Category (RCC), between the wireless device 104 ₂ (for example) and the network 100 for use in data transmission (e.g., control plane related signaling or user plane related payload transmission). The disclosed techniques are based on an exchange of estimated RCC values between the network 100 and the wireless device 104 ₂ that are used to apply a number (e.g., a pre-defined number) of repeated transmissions on the radio interface. The RCC value may be estimated for the downlink (e.g., from the wireless device 104 ₂ perspective) and for the uplink (e.g., from the network 100 perspective). The RCC values may be stored in the relevant network nodes 102 ₂ and 107 (for example) and in the wireless device 104 ₂ for use in determining the appropriate number of repeated transmissions for subsequent data transmissions, for example, at paging occasions. Some of the aspects of this disclosure that have been described herein include:

-   -   An initial deployment and power on scenario wherein a wireless         device 104 ₂ (for example) uses its evaluation of downlink radio         conditions or pre-configured information to determine the number         of repeated transmissions the wireless device 104 ₂ should use         when sending its very first Channel Request message 202 on the         RACH.     -   The use of a Channel Request message 202 (RRC Connection Request         or any control plane or user plane message transmission on the         uplink) to indicate an RCC value that the wireless device 104 ₂         has determined to be applicable for subsequent message         transmissions to that wireless device 104 ₂ (e.g., AGCH or         PDTCH). The RCC value used by the RAN node 102 ₂ (for example)         for downlink transmissions may be the RCC value last received         from the wireless device 104 ₂, an estimated RCC value (e.g.,         based on uplink radio conditions), or a running average of         received and/or estimated RCC values. The particular algorithm         used for determining the used downlink RCC value may be         implementation dependent. The downlink RCC value may represent         different numbers of repetitions depending on the logical         channel or Radio Bearer used.     -   The use of an Assignment message 204 or any control plane or         user plane message transmission on the downlink sent to a given         wireless device 104 ₂ (for example) to indicate an RCC value         that the RAN node 102 ₂ (for example) has determined to be         applicable for subsequent uplink message transmissions (e.g.,         RACH or PDTCH) made by that wireless device 104 ₂. This RCC         value may represent different numbers of repetitions depending         on the logical channel used. The RCC value used for determining         the number of repeated transmissions on the uplink may be based         on the latest estimated uplink RCC value received from the         network 100, the wireless device's estimates of the uplink RCC         value (e.g., based on downlink radio quality), or a running         average of received and/or wireless device's estimated uplink         RCC values.

The techniques disclosed herein have many advantages some of which are as follows:

-   -   Allows for a reduction in the amount of data transmission         between the RAN node and the wireless device.     -   Reduces the wireless device's energy consumption and therefore         improves the battery lifetime.     -   Improves the reliability of the data delivery.     -   Reduces the interference level in the network.     -   Increases system capacity.     -   Since many of the wireless devices used for MTC are expected to         be stationary, the disclosed techniques of RCC value estimation         and communication between wireless devices and the network may         be effective in ensuring efficient utilization of radio         resources while still allowing for the possibility of modifying         the applicable RCC values, if this ever becomes needed.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the use of the term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “illustrative,” or “serving as an example,” and is not intended to imply that a particular embodiment is preferred over another or that a particular feature is essential. Likewise, the terms “first” and “second,” and similar terms, are used simply to distinguish one particular instance of an item or feature from another, and do not indicate a particular order or arrangement, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Further, the term “step,” as used herein, is meant to be synonymous with “operation” or “action.” Any description herein of a sequence of steps does not imply that these operations must be carried out in a particular order, or even that these operations are carried out in any order at all, unless the context or the details of the described operation clearly indicates otherwise.

Of course, the present disclosure may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. One or more of the specific processes discussed above may be carried out in a cellular phone or other communications transceiver comprising one or more appropriately configured processing circuits, which may in some embodiments be embodied in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). In some embodiments, these processing circuits may comprise one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, and/or digital signal processors programmed with appropriate software and/or firmware to carry out one or more of the operations described above, or variants thereof. In some embodiments, these processing circuits may comprise customized hardware to carry out one or more of the functions described above. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Although multiple embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but instead is also capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the present disclosure that as has been set forth and defined within the following claims. 

1. A wireless device configured to communicate with a Radio Access Network (RAN) node and a Core Network (CN) node, the wireless device comprising: a processor; and, a memory that stores processor-executable instructions, wherein the processor interfaces with the memory to execute the processor-executable instructions, whereby the wireless device is operable to receive, from the RAN node, control channels; to estimate a downlink radio condition based on a signal quality of the received control channels; to map the estimated downlink radio condition to one of a plurality of downlink Radio Coverage Category (RCC) values; to transmit, to the RAN node, a first message including the one downlink RCC value; and to receive, from the RAN node, a second message having a number of repeated downlink transmissions based on the one downlink RCC value.
 2. The wireless device of claim 1, wherein the wireless device is further operable to determine an estimated number of repeated uplink transmissions to use when transmitting the first message to the RAN node, wherein the first message is a first contact with the RAN node, and wherein the estimated number of repeated uplink transmissions in the first message is based on the estimated downlink radio condition or preconfigured information.
 3. The wireless device of claim 1, wherein: the second message includes an uplink RCC value, and the wireless device is further operable to map the uplink RCC value to a number of repeated uplink transmissions; and to transmit, to the RAN node, a third message that is repeated according to the number of repeated uplink transmissions.
 4. The wireless device of claim 3, wherein the second message further includes a new downlink RCC value when the RAN node determines to use the new downlink RCC value rather than the one downlink RCC value included in the first message transmitted to the RAN node.
 5. The wireless device of claim 1, wherein the wireless device is further operable to transmit, to the CN node, an updated downlink RCC value in a cell update, wherein the updated downlink RCC value is estimated at a predetermined time prior to a next occurrence of a paging group.
 6. A method in a wireless device configured to communicate with a Radio Access Network (RAN) node and a Core Network (CN) node, the method comprising: receiving, from the RAN node, control channels; estimating a downlink radio condition based on a signal quality of the received control channels; mapping the estimated downlink radio condition to one of a plurality of downlink Radio Coverage Category (RCC) values; transmitting, to the RAN node, a first message including the one downlink RCC value; and, receiving, from the RAN node, a second message having a number of repeated downlink transmissions based on the one downlink RCC value.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: determining an estimated number of repeated uplink transmissions to use when transmitting the first message to the RAN node, wherein the first message is a first contact with the RAN node, and wherein the estimated number of repeated uplink transmissions in the first message is based on the estimated downlink radio condition or preconfigured information.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein: the second message includes an uplink RCC value, and the method further comprises: mapping the uplink RCC value to a number of repeated uplink transmissions; and, transmitting, to the RAN node, a third message is repeated according to the number of repeated uplink transmissions.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the second message further includes a new downlink RCC value when the RAN node determines to use the new downlink RCC value rather than the one downlink RCC value included in the first message transmitted to the RAN node.
 10. The method of claim 6, further comprising: transmitting, to the CN node, an updated downlink RCC value in a cell update, wherein the updated downlink RCC value is estimated at a predetermined time prior to a next occurrence of a paging group.
 11. A Radio Access Network (RAN) node configured to communicate with one or more wireless devices and a Core Network (CN) node, the RAN node comprising: a processor; and, a memory that stores processor-executable instructions, wherein the processor interfaces with the memory to execute the processor-executable instructions, whereby the RAN node is operable to transmit, to the one or more wireless devices, control channels; to receive, from one of the wireless devices, a first message including a first downlink Radio Coverage Category (RCC) value; and to transmit, to the one wireless device, a second message that is repeated according to the first downlink RCC value included in the first message received from the one wireless device.
 12. The RAN node of claim 11, wherein the RAN node, before transmitting the second message, is further operable to determine a downlink RCC value to be used for the one wireless device; to map the determined downlink RCC value to a number of repeated downlink transmissions to be used for downlink messages transmitted to the one wireless device, wherein the determined downlink RCC value is added to the second message when the determined downlink RCC value is different than the first downlink RCC value; and to transmit, to the one wireless device, a third message that is repeated according to the number of repeated downlink transmissions based on the determined downlink RCC value.
 13. The RAN node of claim 12, wherein the RAN node is further operable to determine the downlink RCC value to be used for the one wireless device based on: (1) the first downlink RCC value; (2) an estimated downlink RCC value; or (3) a running average of previously received first downlink RCC values and previously estimated downlink RCC values.
 14. The RAN node of claim 11, wherein the RAN node is further operable to estimate an uplink RCC value based on the received first message; and to add the estimated uplink RCC value to the second message which is transmitted to the one wireless device.
 15. The RAN node of claim 11, wherein the RAN node is further operable to receive, from the CN node, a paging message for the one wireless device, wherein the paging message includes at least a paging downlink RCC value for the one wireless device; and to transmit, to the one wireless device, a paging message having a number of repeated paging downlink transmissions, wherein the number of repeated paging downlink transmissions is determined based on the paging downlink RCC value.
 16. A method in a Radio Access Network (RAN) node configured to communicate with one or more wireless devices and a Core Network (CN) node, the method comprising: transmitting, to the one or more wireless devices, control channels; receiving, from one of the wireless devices, a first message including a first downlink Radio Coverage Category (RCC) value; and, transmitting, to the one wireless device, a second message that is repeated according to the first downlink RCC value included in the first message received from the one wireless device.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein, before transmitting the second message, the method further comprises: determining a downlink RCC value to be used for the one wireless device; mapping the determined downlink RCC value to a number of repeated downlink transmissions to be used for downlink messages transmitted to the one wireless device, wherein the determined downlink RCC value is added to the second message when the determined downlink RCC value is different than the first downlink RCC value; and transmitting, to the one wireless device, a third message that is repeated according to the number of repeated downlink transmissions based on the determined downlink RCC value.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: determining the downlink RCC value to be used for the one wireless device based on: (1) the first downlink RCC value; (2) an estimated downlink RCC value; or (3) a running average of previously received first downlink RCC values and previously estimated downlink RCC values.
 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising: estimating an uplink RCC value based on the received first message; and adding the estimated uplink RCC value to the second message which is transmitted to the one wireless device.
 20. The method of claim 16, further comprising: receiving, from the CN node, a paging message for the one wireless device, wherein the paging message includes at least a paging downlink RCC value for the one wireless device; and transmitting, to the one wireless device, a paging message having a number of repeated paging downlink transmissions, wherein the number of repeated paging downlink transmissions is determined based on the paging downlink RCC value.
 21. A Core Network (CN) node configured to communicate with a plurality of wireless devices and a Radio Access Network (RAN) node, the CN node comprising: a processor; and, a memory that stores processor-executable instructions, wherein the processor interfaces with the memory to execute the processor-executable instructions, whereby the CN node is operable to receive, from the RAN node or one of the wireless devices, a message including a downlink Radio Coverage Category (RCC) value and an uplink RCC value associated with the one wireless device; to store the downlink RCC value and the uplink RCC value associated with the one wireless device; and to transmit, to the RAN node, a paging message for the one wireless device when a downlink payload becomes available for the one wireless device, wherein the paging message includes the downlink RCC value and the uplink RCC value associated with the one wireless device.
 22. The CN node of claim 21, wherein the paging message further comprises a time stamp indicating when the message including the downlink RCC value and the uplink RCC value was received by the CN node and a cell identifier indicating where the one wireless device was connected when the message including the downlink RCC value and the uplink RCC value was received by the CN node.
 23. The CN node of claim 21, wherein the CN node is further operable to receive, from the one wireless device, an updated downlink RCC value in a cell update, wherein the updated downlink RCC value rather than the stored downlink RCC value is transmitted to the RAN node when transmitting a paging message for the one wireless device.
 24. A method in a Core Network (CN) node configured to communicate with a plurality of wireless devices and a Radio Access Network (RAN) node, the method comprising: receiving, from the RAN node or one of the wireless devices, a message including a downlink Radio Coverage Category (RCC) value and an uplink RCC value associated with the one wireless device; storing the downlink RCC value and the uplink RCC value associated with the one wireless device; and transmitting, to the RAN node, a paging message for the one wireless device when a downlink payload becomes available for the one wireless device, wherein the paging message includes the downlink RCC value and the uplink RCC value associated with the one wireless device.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the paging message further comprises a time stamp indicating when the message including the downlink RCC value and the uplink RCC value was received by the CN node and a cell identifier indicating where the one wireless device was connected when the message including the downlink RCC value and the uplink RCC value was received by the CN node.
 26. The method of claim 24, further comprising: receiving, from the one wireless device, an updated downlink RCC value in a cell update, wherein the updated downlink RCC value rather than the stored downlink RCC value is transmitted to the RAN node when transmitting a paging message for the one wireless device. 